Conflict:

• Othello wants to believe that Desdemona remained faithful to him, but Iago "proves" to Othello that she has not been loyal.

Thesis Statement:

• Othello is torn between the love and trust of his wife, Desdemona, and the trust of his ancient, Iago, which consequently leads to Othello suicide and Desdemona's murder.

Themes (bolded are applicable):

1. Things are often not what they seem.
2. Jealously has the power to destory.
3. When blind passion overtakes reason, tragedy can ultimately result.
4. Bad things happen to good people.
5. Hatred is often skin deep.

Examples of the effects Iago has on Othello:

• III.iii.299-318 - Othello ponders whether he should believe his wife or trust his seemingly loyal ancient.
• III.iii.40-82 - Iago plants the idea of Cassio being with Desdemona in Othello's mind. Then Desdemona comes over to Othello and almost begs him to reappoint Cassio.
• IV.i.1-52 - Iago torments Othello with descriptions of Desdemona's sexual activity with Cassio until Othello blacks out.

Period 4:

Conflict

• Othello doesn't know who to believe: Desdemona or Iago. He ends up in the end believing Iago :-(
• Iago is manipulating Othello's views of those directly around him: Desdemona cheating, Cassio unworthy of position
• Othello truly loves Desdemona but Iago is able to change the situations around Othello to make it appear that she is cheating on him

Thesis

• In the Shakespearean play Othello, the protagonist named Othello is torn by his love for his wife, Desdemona, and the lies given to him by his assistant, Iago.

Theme

1. Things are often not what they seem.
2. Jealously has the power to destory.
3. When blind passion overtakes reason, tragedy can ultimately result.
4. Bad things happen to good people.
5. Hatred is often skin deep.